Former Scots Tory leader takes seat at House of Lords

Former Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie has taken her seat in the House of Lords.

She was one of 30 new peers announced by the Prime Minister in August and her introduction to the Lords means the Conservatives have overtaken Labour as largest party in the Second Chamber for the first time since 2006.

Baroness Goldie served as deputy leader of the Conservative group in the Scottish Parliament from the start of devolution in 1999 and succeeded David McLetchie as leader in 2005. She stepped down six years later following the 2011 Holyrood elections and was succeeded by Ruth Davidson.

She has been an MSP for West of Scotland since 1999 and plans to continue in that role.

At yesterday’s introduction ceremony, Lady Goldie, 63, was flanked by Conservative supporters Lord Sanderson of Bowden and Lord Selkirk of Douglas as she took the oath of allegiance to the Queen.She said it was a privilege to be admitted to the House of Lords. She said: “My priority remains the Scottish Parliament but the House of Lords is a significant part of British constitutional governance.

“It is important that in a devolved Britain it reflects the family of nations which comprise the United Kingdom and I look forward to contributing a Scottish perspective.”